Release date: April 11, 2006
11 tracks, 42:33
Five years ago, Buckcherry released their sophomore album, "Time Bomb." Not long after that, the band, which hit it big with their first single - "Lit UP" - off their self-titled debut, broke up and went their separate ways.
Singer Josh Todd, known for his giant suicide king tattoo on his back and raspy vocals, released a solo album, "You Made Me," in 2004, but a fan like me could only hope the band would reunite.
And so, it has. Today, the band releases their third studio album, "15." The name of the album comes not from the number of songs - 11 - but from the fact it was recorded in 15 days.
The first single from the album, "Crazy Bitch," has climbed up radio charts around the country. I have to say it's one of the best tracks on the new album.
However, the album, as a whole, is the shot in the arm the rock and roll scene needs at this point in time - hard-charging, fired-up, take-no-prisoners rock that leaves nothing in its wake.
It's what Guns N Roses or Nickelback wish their next album would sound like. It's pure, unadulterated, high-energy rock.
The band's current lineup includes original members Todd and co-writer/guitarist Keith Nelson. The duo recruited new band members Stevie D. (guitar), Jimmy Ashhurst (bass) and Xavier Muriel (drums).
Todd's vocals haven't lost a step and the band's intensity is prevalent throughout the album.
"15" comes out of the gate firing with "So Far."
The second track, "Next 2 You," is another solid effort on the album that keeps things rolling. It's almost a bluesy rock riff that reminds me of old-school Aerosmith.
While there are sporadic ballads on the album, it's still better than most of what's on the airwaves today.
Later on, "Brooklyn" shows off a different side of the band - acoustic and slide guitars.
The band hasn't forgotten their song subjects either - sex, drugs and rock-n-roll - it's all here.
The bad news - On their upcoming tour, the closest the band will get to the Triad is Jacksonville, N.C.
The good news - In a recent interview, Todd said that now that the band has three albums out, they'll be on the road for a long time.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at April 11, 2006 12:00 AM
